At Ulster we offer a 4-year Master of Optometry with Honours degree program.
Optometry is the study of vision and the visual system. The professional optometrist is trained to detect visual problems, diagnose and manage defects of sight and prescribe visual aids and is a primary care practitioner who works cloesly with other healthcare professionals in managaing eyecare. Advanced instrumentation is used to assist the optometrist in the evaluation of ocular health, visual acuity, depth and colour perception and the ability to focus and co-ordinate the eyes.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
The optometry programme at the University of Ulster was established in 1995 and is approved by the General Optical Council for training professional optometrists. The programme has become an established and high profile component of the University’s portfolio of undergraduate courses. The three year programme is based at the Coleraine campus and provides a diverse but structured curriculum of teaching, learning and assessment, enabling students to develop knowledge, skills and understanding of the subject. Teaching is informed by high quality research in a wide range of areas including, for example, visual and geometrical optics, paediatric vision care and glaucoma detection. A variety of teaching and learning methods are utilised including lectures, laboratory-based practicals and an extensive range of clinical work. Much of the clinical teaching is undertaken in the University of Ulster Optometry Clinic. The clinic contains a wide range of ophthalmic equipment for both teaching and research and is a public access primary care clinic. Clinical experience is also provided in NHS hospitals.
Special Features
The relatively small number of student places (approximately 32-36) permits a high level of teaching support for students, who have an excellent level of success in attaining pre-registration placements.
Key Skills
Key skills for Optometry include the ability to understand and apply scientific principles and methods, a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, good organizational and administrative skills, good manual dexterity and strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Full time. Three years.
The learning environment is one of incremental and synoptic learning using lectures, practicals and clinical placement. The objective of the course is to produce optometrists with excellent clinical skills underpinned by strong and assured subject knowledge.
The small number of students accepted each year onto the Optometry degree allows a high level of interaction between students and both staff and patients making sure that you get the best out of the experience.
A wide range of teaching and learning methods are utilised including lectures, practicals, tutorials and clinical practice. Computer-based and problem-based learning are integral to the programme. Assessment for modules is by coursework, or by a combination of coursework and sessional examination. Coursework may include written reports of practical work, essays, class tests, projects, oral presentations and a wide range of clinical assessments.
Teaching is enhanced and informed by the high-quality research that is undertaken by academic staff within the Optometry Clinic and in the Vision Science Research Group.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures correct for academic year 2022-2023.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2022-2023.
The feeling of community at our campus makes for a warm and welcoming student experience.
A laid-back campus at the heart of a global tourist attraction.
Find out more - information about accommodation
Our Campus in Coleraine boasts a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities that are open all year round to students and members of the public.
Find out more - information about sport
At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
This initial introduction to clinical skills will give students the opportunity to develop robust core clinical skills, with a good understanding of the theory that underpins the techniques. The development of core understanding and a basic clinical skillset will equip students for the clinical modules in the following semesters.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module aims to provide students with knowledge of optics and optical materials, particularly in relation to the eye. Students will learn about applied optics of spectacle and contact lenses and about the physiological optics of the eye.
Year: 1
Status: C
Throughout this module the student increases their knowledge of the examination procedures used in clinical practice. They will also develop their practical skills in the use of a wide range of optometric instrumentation and clinical techniques.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module examines the anatomy of the visual system as a whole and the eye as a unique anatomical organ. The emphasis is on sound working knowledge of visual anatomy for the understanding of clinical problems of an embryological, physiological or pathological nature.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module is focussed on two aspects of ocular disease. Firstly students will be concerned with pathology affecting the anterior eye. Secondly students will be taught material on common posterior ocular conditions. For both aspects, students will be taught how to recognize the signs and symptoms and to understand the aetiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, signs, symptoms, terminology and treatment for the conditions. This module is further designed to provide students with the requisite knowledge needed to undertake optometric management of these ocular conditions.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module allows students to gain in-depth understanding of visual processing; through learning of aspects of spatial and temporal vision, the physiology of the retina and the electrophysiological and psychophysical techniques to measure visual function. It will provide knowledge of colour vision, motion and eye movements and visual perception.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will introduce students to both contact lens theory and clinical practice. It will seek to develop within the student, the understanding and skills necessary to practice safely and competently, and provide a basis for further more detailed study and application in third and fourth year of the undergraduate optometry programme and in professional practice.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will substantially broaden the knowledge and understanding of clinical optometry and introduce the student to ocular coherence tomography of the posterior segment. It will also develop and refine clinical skills essential to the practice of optometry.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module allows students to become competent in the use of a range of techniques appropriate for optical dispensing. It will provide a sound basis for the student to dispense optical appliances and provide appropriate advice and care to patients in the Optometry clinic in future modules. It will provide the student with a detailed knowledge of lens materials and permit the student to develop skills in appropriate lens choice according to analysis of the spectacle prescription and the patients' needs and lifestyle.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module introduces the student to the principles of human disease in general and in particular provides an introduction to genetics, pharmacology, pathology and microbiology. This module is designed to provide students with the requisite knowledge in human disease to proceed in their course of study.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will build on theoretical knowledge and clinical skills learned in previous modules to ensure students can begin to make appropriate clinical decisions. The module will emphasise the importance of good written and oral communication in clinical decision making.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will be delivered online in collaboration with the College of Optometrists, the UK's professional body for the optometric profession, with the aim of ensuring that trainee optometrists adopt a consistent approach to patient safety in the UK. Teaching, learning and assessment will take place during year 2 prior to students attending hospital eye clinic placements, delivering supervised eye care to the general public in the University Optometry clinic and before the long clinical placement in Year 4. Case studies and practice-based examples will be used to support learning.
Understanding of the concepts, strategies and theories covered during this module will be tested through multiple-choice and written examination, including responding to situational judgement scenarios and case studies.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module is concerned with complex pathology affecting eye and conditions affecting visual pathway. Students will be taught how to recognize the signs and symptoms of complex ocular pathological conditions of the eye and to understand the management/treatment strategies for each condition. This module is designed to provide students with the requisite knowledge in complex ocular and visual pathway pathology needed to detect, manage, outline potential treatment/s and propose a prognosis for these conditions.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides the students with an opportunity to perform an independent, supervised, original research study in the field of optometry and vision science. The project will include planning a study, collecting and analysing data, and writing a project report in the format of a scientific poster.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module allows the students to consolidate and integrate learning within their clinical practice so they can examine a range of patients in a systematic manner and make coherent management decisions regarding the patient's needs. This module develops skills to allow an individual to become an effective communicator with patients, peers and others in the optometric healthcare setting and embeds reflective practice into the individual's day to day professional life. This module teaches the importance of high quality, succinct recordkeeping and communication with other health care professionals and provides the opportunity for Inter Professional Learning with others including Dispensing Opticians, Orthoptists, Ophthalmologists, Hospital Optometrists and Rehabilitation support workers. This module allows the student to be prepared and safe for their long placement in Year 4.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module builds on earlier pharmacology teaching in OPT309 and introduces the students to the principles of pharmacology in in relation to the eye and visual system. The module will discuss diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of ocular disease and drug use in optometric practice. This module is designed to provide students with the requisite knowledge in ocular pharmacology and therapeutics to manage a wide range of ocular pathologies building on knowledge and skills gained in ocular health and disease modules.
Year: 3
Status: C
Paediatric optometry is a third-year undergraduate optometry module designed to provide undergraduate optometrists with an understanding of the processes that underlie the improvement in visual performance seen during early infancy and childhood. The module will explore what constitutes normal visual development, the risk factors associated with abnormal visual outcome and the role of the optometrist in assessing and managing children's vision and visual status. Students will learn how to apply an evidence-based approach and select and use robust, validated testing techniques and protocols for paediatric visual assessment and management, including refractive amblyopia, hypo-accommodation and myopia. The impact of developmental disabilities on visual function and optometric management will be introduced and the optometrist's role in providing accessible eye care for people with learning and other disabilities described. An understanding of visual stress and vision-related reading difficulties will be conveyed.
Year: 3
Status: C
Binocular Vision is a third-year undergraduate optometry module. This module is designed to provide a grounding in binocular vision anomalies for optometric practice. Teaching methods involve lectures, practicals, tutorials and clinical experience allowing the students to approach the subject from several different perspectives to aid integration and understanding of the material. The module is taught with input from orthoptic professionals to provide, not only expert teaching, but to facilitate future good relations and collaborative management between optometry and orthoptic eye care providers.
Year: 3
Status: C
Within this module students will be taught the fundamentals of the interpretation of patients' presenting signs and symptoms. In conjunction with consolidation of their knowledge and understanding gained at levels 4 and 5 students will be guided in building their skills to effectively manage a broad range of patients. Students will be taught how to implement an evidence-based approach to decision making and will be encouraged to develop the life-long skill of peer learning.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides students with an understanding of low vision and in the skills necessary for the optometric care of patients with a visual impairment. The module provides information on causes and epidemiology of low vision, magnification and minification, certification and registration, the psychological loss model and holistic care to include collaboration with multi-disciplinary statutory and voluntary service providers. The module will equip the student with the skills to undertake a clinical assessment of a person's visual impairment, needs and emotional status. The module provides students with training on low vision management plans including refractive error prescribing, dispensing simple and complex optical and non-optical low vision aids, simple rehabilitation strategies, communication skills and referral guidelines.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module will equip the student optometrist with specialist skills to conduct in-depth assessment of those with cataract and/or at risk of retinal disease and allow them to follow the very latest in management protocols.
Year: 4
Status: C
This optometry clinical practice module builds on studies in Year 3 and permits students to further develop their clinical testing and management skills under supervision in a clinical placement setting, typically an optometry practice or optometry department within a hospital. The module ensures that students can work effectively and efficiently in the clinical environment, including addressing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) issues and delivering safe and effective testing, management and referral of patients.
Year: 4
Status: C
This clinical practice module further builds students' clinical testing and management skills under supervision in a clinical placement setting, typically an optometry practice or optometry department within a hospital. The module ensures that students can work effectively and efficiently in the clinical environment, including in relation to differential diagnosis, consent, risk assessment, professionalism in optometric practice, eye care for vulnerable patients and those with additional needs. The role of the optometrist as a leader will also be explored.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module is delivered online and allows the individual, once registered as a qualified practitioner with the General Optical Council, to participate in the appropriate locally-commissioned enhance optometric services (EOS).
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will equip the student with further skills in pharmacology and prescribing to allow the development of safe and effective management of ocular conditions at an advanced level of practice. Following successful completion of the MOptom and this module, students may be eligible to apply to join the Specialist Register as an Independent Prescribing Optometrist.
Students must have identified a suitable Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) who will provide an appropriate placement and provide mentorship to the student prior to commencing the module.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
Grades ABB
Subject Specific Requirement:
At least twofrom Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics (or grades AB in Double Award Applied Science or Life and Health Science).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science
Award profile of DDM
(including six units from: Fundamentals of Science/Mathematical Calculations for Science/Using Statistics for Science/Physiology of Human Body Systems/Physiology of Human Regulation & Reproduction/Biochemistry & Biochemical Techniques/Medical Physics Techniques)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science
Award profile of DD
(acceptable with one other A-level at grade B)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science
Award profile D
(acceptable with two A-levels at grades AB – including at least one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics)
The following BTECs are not acceptable:Applied Health Sciences, Applied Science (Forensic).
128 UCAS tariff points (from five subjects at Higher Level)
Subject Specific requirement:
At least twosciences required at H3 (or above) from Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Biology.
English and Maths (if Maths is not achieved at H3) are required at grade H6 (Higher Level) or O4 (Ordinary Level).
The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is ABBBC to include grades AB in two subjects from Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Maths.
English & Mathematics required at Standard Level 1, 2 or 3
The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is grades BBB to include two subjects from Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Maths.
English & Mathematics required at Standard Level 1, 2 or 3
Overall profile minimum of 28 points with 14 points at higher level to include two science subjects from Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Maths.
Pass science-based Access Programme with 120 credits - overall profile of 70% in L3 modules (NI Access Course)*
Pass science-based Access Programme with 60 credit - overall profile of 39 credits at distinction and 6 credits at merit (GB Access Course)*
*to include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.
For full-time study you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at grade C/4 or above in English Language and Mathematics.
You must also hold a GCSE pass at grade C/4 or above in Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Double Award Science.
Applicants without English as a first language: Students applying from overseas where
English is not their first language need an overall IELTS (International English Language
Testing System) score of at least 7 with no lower than 6.5 in any element.
Applicants should note that, as they will be engaged in ‘regulated activity’ involving children or vulnerable adults as part of their course, there is a compulsory, legal requirement to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure from AccessNI or other relevant authority. There is a cost for this service. More information on Enhanced Disclosures may be accessed at http://www.dojni.gov.uk/accessni
Health screening: You are required to demonstrate good health prior to commencing the course by completing a ‘Declaration of Health’ form which will be screened by Occupational Health who will confirm your medical fitness to undertake the course. You may also be required to undertake a vaccination programme and more information regarding this will be available prior to registration.
Applicants must be eligible for student registration with the regulator.
Qualified Dispensing Opticians may be eligible for exemption from specific modules including OPT102 Optics and Optical Materials and OPT306 Dispensing Practice.
A student who has successfully completed Year 1 of BSc (Hons) Optometry is eligible to transfer to our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences and other programmes within the School subject to approval by the relevant Subject Committees. This student would usually be exempt from the two common Year 1 modules.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
Graduates of the programme who obtain a first or second class degree classification and satisfy the General Optical Council Core Competency requirements are currently eligible to undertake a pre-registration year during which they work in a registered optometric practice or hospital. During this year, graduates are continually assessed and take professional examinations for membership of the College of Optometrists (http://www.college-optometrists.org/). If successful, they will be registered to practice.
Optometry graduates may choose from a wide variety of interesting, challenging and rewarding careers in private practice, hospital practice, charitable bodies for the visually impaired, industry, government service, teaching and research. Graduates from BSc Hons Optometry at Ulster have secured teaching, research, clinical and managerial roles in the public and private sector and have progressed to higher degrees (taught or research) in the UK and Ireland.
The University of Ulster offers graduates the opportunity to study for higher qualifications including PgCert/ PgDip /MSc Clinical Visual Sciences and studies to doctoral level.
In year 4 of your study you will have a UK based placement where you will be required to gain the necessary clinical experience and show clinical competence in order to meet the requirements of the General Optical Council for registration.
Accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC).
2024/25 Fees
Fees for entry in 2024/25 have not yet been set. See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2023/24 entry.
The following annual prizes are awarded:
The Association of Optometrists Prize: Best performance in the Law, Management and Ethics module.
CooperVision Prize: Best performance in the 2nd year CL related module.
The Binocular Vision Prize: Best performance in the Binocular Vision and Orthoptics module.
Specsavers Opticians Prize: Best overall final year student.
The Northern Ireland Optometric Society Prize: Best performance in the final year clinical practice module.
The Johnson & Johnson Prize: Best overall performance in 3rd Year Contact Lens related modules.
There is a charge for health screening and vaccinations. Last year’s costs ranged from £35 to £155 depending on the vaccinations required.
The criminal record check through AccessNI currently costs £33.
Whilst a wide range of optometric equipment is available within the University clinics for students to use, you will normally be requested to purchase personal testing equipment during the course of your studies.
In Year 1 such items are small and inexpensive and include occluders and measuring rulers. In later years, students also require a volk lens, retinoscope and trial frame. Arrangements are made for optometric instrument suppliers to speak to students about their products and significant student discounts are available. Though costs may still range from approximately £1000-£2000, such equipment is required for professional practice and will provide the practitioner with many years of service. In addition, white coats are usually required for laboratory and clinic use.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Ulster. At all times I felt my learning and development was supported and encouraged. I feel privileged that I was educated by the Optometry team at Ulster University, and I remember them all fondly. They had a genuine interest in our well- being and education. Now that I’m out in clinical practice I see first-hand that the Optometry course at Ulster is held in high esteem. The volume of patient encounters provided during my training at Ulster armed me with the knowledge, communication skills and confidence to do well throughout my pre-registration year and beyond.” Catherine McGuckin, Master of Optometry graduate 2021.
